The US lamb market is growing, but many domestic sheep producers say they are not gaining from it, and they have taken their case to the US International Trade Commission, Farms.com reports.
Industry data presented in the review show US lamb consumption rose more than 17 percent between 2021 and 2025, while sales of domestically produced lamb fell by more than 10 percent. US producers lost both volume and market share.
Those who defend imports say they fill gaps when local output is limited, noting that drought has affected domestic sheep production in recent years.
Domestic producers answer that American lamb was available and was replaced by cheaper imports. Processors testified that lower-priced imports reduced what they could offer livestock producers, and some said customers shifted away even when US suppliers could meet demand. One producer described losing established buyers and receiving substantially lower prices.
Another question is who counts as the industry. Some participants want the review to focus mainly on processors, while others argue that growers and feeders must be included because they are directly affected. The commission's review continues.
Photo: Keith Weller, USDA / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Source: Farms.com
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